Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
Haemophilus influenzae serotype f endocarditis and septic arthritis
Katerina Oikonomou1, Basel Alhaddad1, Kayla Kelly1
1New York University School of Medicine, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Insights
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) strains are increasingly problematic, particularly in older adults. This case highlights the diagnosis and management of severe H. influenzae serotype f infections in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) are gram-negative coccobacilli responsible for various infections.
- H. influenzae strains are classified as encapsulated or unencapsulated (non-typeable).
- Non-typeable H. influenzae are recognized as emerging pathogens, especially in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe infection caused by H. influenzae serotype f in an elderly patient.
- To emphasize the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of infections due to non-typeable H. influenzae.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 73-year-old woman.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of H. influenzae serotype f infection.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with bacteremia, endocarditis, and septic arthritis.
- Infection was attributed to H. influenzae serotype f.
Conclusions:
- Non-typeable H. influenzae, including serotype f, can cause severe invasive infections in elderly individuals.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
Haemophilus influenzae represents gram-negative coccobacilli which can cause endocarditis, meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, septic arthritis. H.influenzae exists as encapsulated and unencapsulated (non-typeable) strains. Non-typeable H.influenzae are emerging pathogens especially in elderly population. We report a case of a 73 year old woman with bacteremia, endocarditis and septic arthritis due to H.influenzae serotype f. This case emphasizes the clinical features and the key elements of diagnosis and management of infections caused by non-typeable strains of H.influenzae.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

